Elizabeth and her eyes

So it has been year and half since I have posted and it seems CRAZY that a more than a YEAR has passed. A lot has happened over the last year that has kept us so incredibly busy and I haven't had the time (not to mention the computer issues) to sit down and reflect a little on whats going on.....

 Last September when the girls had their four year well check we found out that Elizabeth could not see very well out of one eye. COMPLETE shock. Just a sinking feeling as mom to walk in for a well check and find out she couldn't see. She has what's known as amblyopia of her right eye. Her left eye is perfect and at the time we had her checked she could not clearly see the largest letter on the eye chart with her right eye. She also had a weak reflection in that same eye that scared us because it meant she may have something behind her eye making her vision impaired. We saw a pediatric opthamologist the very next day to rule that out several concerns and thankfully no cataract or issue was found. Her eye itself was anatomically perfect, it was just the concern for vision. The way it was explained to me back then was that when one eye doesn't see as well as they other the brain will start to turn off those visual signals to the "bad" eye so that she doesn't see double. How could I not know?? That was the hardest thing. But the reality was with two eyes she could see just fine (in her mind) because one eye was doing all the work. She was put into full time glasses and we were told to patch her good eye 5 days a week for 3-4 hours a day. She took to it like a trooper with very little complaints. We had been through several different types of patches until we finally found one that was perfect and we get very little complaint with it. We talk about how her eyes and brain need to "exercise" to be healthy and strong and it's a good enough explanation for her. My sweet little Elizabeth!

One year later, we continue to patch 5 days a week for up to 4 hours a day. At our most recent visit her vision has corrected to 20/60 in her right eye (previously 20/>200). yahoo!!! Her right eye may never be perfect and worst case would be that she would be able to wear one contact in that eye. At this point, it's hard to see her without her pretty pink glasses. This past summer we upgraded her glasses to the transition lenses and they have really been fantastic! Of course the older she gets the crazier play time gets with friends and these poor glasses do take a beating. Just hoping that each pair can make it a year. That's always our goal at least.

Elizabeth at Disney's Animal Kingdom last year (2012)

 

(yes it's been ANOTHER year since I originally wrote this post!)

Andrew is finally talking!

I can't believe it but my little man is FINALLY talking!! It was actually right before christmas but I am so far behind in my posts and until we move it will still be awhile before I can get caught up BUT before I forget some of the fun things going on right now thought I would just drop a few notes.
Probably a week or so before Christmas Andrew was starting to repeat more words than usual AND actually USE them correctly. Previous to this point he had a handful of words he could say but would randomly use them. Up to this point he had been doing a lot of pointing and yelling! always fun!! I wasn't overly concerned about his lack of vocabulary because both the girls were late talkers as well (granted they were preemies and he was term. hmmm). Either way I was still going to wait a few months before I actually addressed it. Being a boy and the third child apparently are also factors that can contribute to delayed speech. All that being said our boy is TALKING!!! He repeats literally everything you say and is already starting to put 2-3 word sentences together. really??! this kid wasn't saying anything just less than two months ago. He also knows his entire alphabet, lower and uppercase letters. Although I cant take credit for this. He LOVES the preschool prep series videos and learned his alphabet in about three weeks. Great videos for kiddos, horribly boring for adults (as in might even make you crazy watching it...brutal..lol!). As of his birthday he can sing his entire alphabet. SOOOOO cute!! and he is so proud of himself when he does. As far as numbers, he can recoginze the numbers 1-10 individually but when counting will still skip a few. 1,2,3..7,8,9,10. for some reason those middle numbers haven't quite made it into the sequence. He has made leaps and bounds of progress since Christmas. It absolutely amazes me. The girls went through a similar progression. It was just after there second birthday that they started using words and within a month or so were using sentences. Apparently I have kids that are all or nothing. For all three, the first "real" words came so late but they once they came there was no stopping them.
And speaking of no stopping them. Elizabeth and Olivia are in crazy mode question made! holy cow, I CANNOT keep up with these two. The amount of questions that come my way on a daily basis is utterly exhausting. I am walking a fine line of trying to make sure I don't discourage them asking questions but being able to stay sane too :)  I read a post on pinterest the other day that said the average 4 year old asks 400+ questions a day. does that mean I am getting 800+ questions a day.....I THINK I WOULD SAY YES!!!! They get constant reminders that there is only ONE mommy and THREE kids! :)
I will say that beyond the exhaustion that I do feel by the end of each day, I can honestly say that I am loving this age. Two four year olds and a two year old is really a lot of fun. Especially with Andrew now talking and doing a lot less yelling we are just trying to stay busy. With our impending move and trying to "show" our house it is a bit crazy. Three kids and three animals definitely makes it difficult to keep our house "show" ready. Maybe all of this will help me be more organized in our next house. Truth is we outgrew our house the day andrew came home. we have been busting at the seams for awhile. We are looking forward to more space (more details in a future post). 

September 5, 2011

My baby is 19 months old!!!!

And this is one BIG kid!!

We were a month late on his 18month well check but he is one healthy little man nonetheless. Clean bill of health and another big growth spurt between 15months and now. At least, we know all that food he is eating is actually needed!

19month stats:

Weight - 27lbs 7oz (70-75%)

Height - 34in (90%)

head circ - 19 3/4in (>95%)

We are still so amazed at how fast this little boy is growing! We aren't use to having the "big kid". Most people are stunned when I tell them how old he (assuming he is over 2!). And in reality he is actually already taller then BOTH the girls were at the age of two, BY AN ENTIRE INCH!!

Andrew, you are still one fiesty little dude!!!! You've got a smile that will melt anyones heart and a laugh that is so contagious you can't help but join right in. But we must not forget that little temper of yours. When you want something, you make it known to EVERYONE! And since your words and wants still aren't always clear your frustration level is through the roof!

This shirt definitely suits you well some days! hehe!

WILD, DIRTY, UNCONTROLLABLE......yep all words that describe you buddy! 

As far as food, you LOVE chicken! That is definitely your main protein! You can eat your weight in chicken I think. There really haven't been too many changes in your likes and dislikes over the last few months. The veggies and fruits are still through plumtots. You REFUSE to eat them whole. just strange. But as long as you get them in, I'm ok with it. You do still get formula first thing in the morning and about 30 minutes after dinner. It just stinks that you love milk but can't have it. It would make things so much easier. Since cheese is your main source of dairy (and even that is limited) we did start you on a calcium supplement just to make sure. You do still love just about any carbohydrate though.

Your activity level is still CONSTANT! As I have said, even before you were born, you NEVER stop moving! You are always running, climbing, jumping you name it! Wherever your little feet will take you is where you will go. Thankfully, you are now starting to listen more though. So long as I keep on you and not let my guard down, you stay relatively close. You still love to play catch with Daddy most nights before bedtime. And lets face it, he really loves it too! You LOVE being chased! You never seem to tire of it!

Your favorite phrases right now are "look!" and "what's that?" you are constantly pointing at things all around and wanting to hear what everything is called. You repeat certain words and others you just like hearing. "Fish" and "shark" are by far your most favorite words.

I love seeing you play with your sisters as well! They are really starting to let you do more activities with them and you are loving it!

WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH BUBBA!!

compare your size to your sisters' at 19months

                 Elizabeth                                     Olivia

Weight -    24lbs 8oz                               23lbs 8oz

height -      32in                                        31 3/4in

head-      19 3/4in                                       19in

15 months

This little guy is 15 months old! WOW!!! I think I say that at every post but it never ceases to amaze me how fast the kids are growing up. Since turning one this little man has certainly become a little fireball. He definitely has opinions for what he wants and doesn't want. The pouting over the last couple of months has also risen to new levels. We have had some full on temper tantrums (especially when tired)  I honestly didn't experience this with the girls. Yes, a few fits every now and again but short lived for sure. Andrew has definitely given me a run for my money on more than one occassion with his tantrums. And he is so strong at this point that I feel like I'm going to have to hit the weights in order to keep this boy in line ;)

I think the hardest thing for me right now is that he is a "wanderer"....is that a word?? He doesn't have near the crowd anxiety that the girls did. Neither of the girls would wander down the street or off into the woods at the park alone. Andrew on the other hand seems to be a one man circus who wants to go wherever his feet will take him. Now if someone tries to pick him up or go near him (stranger that is) he will definitely run in the opposite direction BUT you turn your head for one second and he can easily be out of eyesight. He is lightening fast and I'm not exaggerating!

He is, of course, the sweetest boy too. His giggle is so contagious and can certainly change a frown upside down. hehe! He loves to be chased! The girls love to play chase with him and it does generally end with someone falling but it is so much fun. He and Elizabeth are still best buds! Olivia does have a lot more interaction with him and does love to play with him, but Elizabeth has been giving him her undivided attention since he was tiny and he does seem to be drawn to her just a little bit more. Peak a boo is one of their favorites. The peek a boo bear crawl will have you in tears laughing.

Bedtime kisses are also my favorite! Even when I get caught up and forget that Andrew hasn't given them their goodnight kiss he will walk right in their room before we go to  his and climb up in their bed for a kiss. And just as quickly as he enters their room he heads straight for his. So adorable!!! He knows after we brush our teeth that means it's time for kisses. :) Generally, all three go to bed at the same time but on every once in awhile Drew will fall asleep before the girls and it is always Elizabeth who gets upset when she realizes no goodnight kiss from her brother. She has begged me on several occassions to actually wake him up. It really is so amazing to see the bond that is continously growing between all three of them. I love them more than words can describe!!

He still loves his sports balls. He doesn't necessarily play with them a lot during the day with us but
the moment Daddy comes home, he immediately takes him the basketball or football. Since we are in basketball season right now and the hoop is out in the living room, it is normally the basketball he takes to Daddy so he can practice his shooting.

Verbally, he still isn't saying a whole lot. Mostly still just different sounds. He is definitely making the sounds with intent now instead of just random noises but still not real concrete words for anything. Does take commands (for the most part) really well. He does understand when you ask him to do things or get things. The girls were really late talkers too and seeing as how we can't keep them quiet now, I'm not too worried about it at this point.

He does eat a good portion of table food. When it comes to breads, pastas, crackers, chicken and eggs he can literally eat his weight. With a lot of other food he is still a little picky. When it comes to fruits and vegetables we are having major texture issues. It's not that he doesn't like the taste, it seems to be the texture. So in order to make sure he does get plenty of fruits and vegetables, I still give him the organic plum tots sqeezables. He sucks those down in no time flat. Hopefully another few months and he won't be so picky.

Although the girls do watch their share of TV and movies, Drew hasn't been all that interested in most of it. It may catch his eye and he'll watch for a couple minutes but most things don't keep his attention. There is one exception to this....He LOVES "Lily and Leap" (the Leapfrog videos). These videos will calm him in no time flat and he will watch the full 30-45 min ( I forget how long they are?). He loves them!! They are my saving grace when trying to fix dinner :)

The dogs....He LOVES the dogs!!! He honestly can not get enough of Sadie and Rupert!! He giggles and chases them everywhere! Neither of our dogs have tails but rather little nubs. They do still "wag" their nubs and Andrew thinks this is hysterical. He tries to grab and hold on but usually is unsuccessful. The dogs don't seem to care greatly and it sure gives us all the giggles. Although Sadie borders on a little hyper, we have been so fortunate to have such great dogs that do so well with all the kids! They were our first "babies" after all.

he loves Rupert 

just chillin together 

quality time with Sadie too 

she loves her belly rubbed

It's definitely a crazy house right now and our little man is making sure to keep us on our toes!! As crazy as it may be, I just couldn't imagine life any other way!!

HAPPY 15 MONTHS BIG BOY!

February

It's amazing the giants leaps this little boy has made over the past several weeks! On his birthday he was taking several steps on his own. He was sooo very proud when doing this too. He was pretty limited in taking those steps in the mornings and evenings and was still choosing to crawl most of the time. By the following week he was walking more and getting more confident. Now, almost three weeks after his first birthday this boy is practically running!! It is still so AMAZING to see him walking around and following his big sisters everywhere they go (even stealing a toy or two and running with into the next room. hilarious!!). He is no longer crawling but walking and falling. hehe! Although still a bit unsteady, even when he falls, he pops right back up on his feet! Today, he recieved a pair of "squeaker" sandals from Tita and he LOVED them! Both of the girls had a pair around 14-15months and it was only fitting that he got his pair too. The moment we put them on he knew HE was the one making them squeak. With the biggest grin on his, he marched himself around! So stinkin cute!! It's nice to "hear" where he is now too!

Over the last week he has also taken a very active roll in the evening wrestling matches with Daddy. Most nights before the kids go to bed there are numerous runs around the house and lots of Daddy throwing and spinning them around. Most of the time Drew watches and cheers from the sidelines. But now that he is a confident walker he gets right there in the mix. He chases the girls around and giggles and screams right along next them. While Daddy is tickling one of the girls, it's only a matter of seconds before you find Drew climbing up his back ready to get his tickles! It truly is the best part of the night for the kids. They look forward to it EVERY night! Even when Daddy is tired and tries to get out of it, four little puppy dog eyes usually win out (and before too long there will be six!). Sorry Daddy, you are in for the long haul!

Playing catch has also become a part of our nightly routine. He and Daddy have been playing catch for a couple weeks now. He started throwing with both hands together and sitting and now he is very dominantly throwing with his right and even standing. The funny thing is he is already mimicking how Daddy throws to him.  After he catches the ball, he does a little double or triple clap on the ball before throwing with his right hand. He's a natural! and you know it makes Daddy grin from ear to ear :)  He is getting the biggest kick out of throwing to each of the girls too. Some nights he and Liv play together and others it will be he and Elizabeth. I just love to see them all have so much fun together!

And last but not least, when we put the girls to bed, Drew now likes to climb in Elizabeth's bed. It makes him so happy to be in their room. Elizabeth usually gets her hugs and kisses and sometimes they even lay down next to each other. Elizabeth just loves having him there. When I jokingly ask her "Can Andrew sleep with you tonight?" I always get a very definitive YES. Liv still needs her "own" space and doesn't like it when he attempts to get in her bed. But she doesn't go a night without giving him his nightly hug and kiss. Oh the progress she has made. hehe!
After we have said our goodnights, is when Mommy gets her quiet time in with her baby. This is the ONLY point in the day that I can quietly get my snuggles in. I usually rock him in his room for 5-10 minutes before laying him down for the night. This really has to be one of my favorite moments with my son! Some nights he falls asleep within minutes of laying on my shoulder. He doesn't require rocking to go to sleep at all but over the last few weeks it's definitely been more for my benefit. He is just growing up so fast and I know it won't be long before my baby rocking days are over : (  With him being about the squirmiest worm you will ever meet, these moments of cuddle time I really don't want to let go of!! I love you buddy!!

February has been one crazy month and I'm sure next month will have even more in store for us!

the Smoozie!!

I gave the girls an apple/blueberry SMOOTHIE (the earth's best brand in the tube) for a snack today. Handed it to them and then was distracted by something Drew was doing. Liv handed me hers when she was done and when I asked Elizabeth where her smoothie was she said "my smoozie? I'm all done with my smoozie mom!" So I then asked her where she put it. Her respone was still "my smoozie?"  "Yes, Elizabeth where did you put your smooTHIE?" her response "hmmmm??" I then asked "Did you put it in the trash can?" and with the biggest grin on her face said "No Mom, I put it in my tummy!"

From calling her smooTHIE a smooZIE to her last response, I think we were both giggling throughout this whole conversation!  Silly Elizabeth!

ONE YEAR STATs

It's official...We have a big boy!!! We were a few weeks late on our appoinment but here they are..

weight: 24 1/2 lbs  (70%)

height: 30 3/4 in (85%)

head circ: 19 1/4 (>95%)

He had a pretty huge growth spurt over the last couple months! He has had a pretty insatiable appetite to go with it! On our outtings, I always seem to get "wow, he's a big boy!" Since about 6 months, I've always thought the same. He is significantly longer than the girls were at the same age and over the last four months he's really put on more weight. And although I have always felt he was a "big" kid, by his STATs he has always been just above average. So when the nurse told us how tall he was and how much he weighed, even I was stunned. I don't usually bother Daddy at work with little things (he's pretty much ALWAYS running between meetings) but I thought even he would appreciate the staggering growth his little man was making! Needless to say a call was also put in to Papa right after!

Now three weeks after his first birthday, he is walking all over the place. I would say probably walking 70% of the time. When he is excited or really wants to go fast he will still throw himself down and speed across the floor. I know, it's probably a matter of days now when he will start officially RUNNING and boy are we all in for some trouble then!

He had clean bill of health and given another big thumbs up from the Dr!! He recieved three vaccines today (which I don't think we will do again). He has never recieved more than two vaccines at any given time, and after this appointment I won't do it again!! The only reason he got three was because we missed one that was suppose to be at 10months and I decided to go ahead and catch up and just do it. His appointment was at 9am and we were done by 930am. He fell asleep around 1230pm and slept until 415p!! When he woke up, he was SUPER crabby! (very unusual). You could just tell he was uncomfortable. We spent about an hour outside (of which he whined and cried most of) until finally coming back in after he wouldn't let me put him down. He felt a little warm so decided to take his temperature. Sure enough 100.8. Gave him some tylenol and he was zonked out. He was back asleep at 6pm and I needed to change his clothes so he woke up at 8pm. He wasn't crying anymore but was burning up. I honestly thought he was easily 103 or more but temp was reading just above 102. I gave him another dose of tylenol and he just sat on the couch with me and Daddy. He was so lethargic. Hardly any movement and just sat. And anyone who knows this little boy knows he DOES NOT SIT!!! lol! Although I was enjoying being able to get some snuggle time in, I certainly don't want it at the cost of a sick baby :(  He fell asleep on my lap about 45 minutes later and I put him to bed. I checked on him twice in the night and after 2am his fever finally broke. Almost ten ours of 102 fever that took 3 doses of tylenol to break. The next morning he woke up happy and back to normal! The girls never reacted to ANY of their vaccines and they were on a more normal schedule through the first year (we did make small adjustments through their second year). Obviously his system isn't built to fight so much all at once. Another lesson in EVERY CHILD IS DIFFERENT!! I am so thankful that I made the decision before he was born to research and make my own vaccine schedule. He will get ALL the required vaccines before he enters school they are just spread out over longer periods of time. Again, I feel thankful that we have a doctor who is supportive and since he isn't in daycare or school my hand wasn't forced.

We love you so much little man and look forward to all the adventures that your second year holds!!

Happy 1st Birthday Andrew!!

A year has come and gone and we now have a ONE year old!!!

We were so shocked when we found out this little guy was on his way, but can't imagine what our life would be without him! He brings so many smiles to us each and every day!

He has been a little bit spoiled over the past year being our "single" baby and our "last" baby!

It has also been amazing to watch how his big sisters have reacted and adjusted to him over the past year. They have their own unique relationship with him and he just ADORES them!

And what a lucky guy he is to have two, so very different and very loving, big sisters!!

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY ANDREW!!

Uncle Mickey and January

January helping us get dressed for our brother's big day 

Telling a funny story about Daddy and his one lens sunglasses 

A little playtime with Tia Carmen 

TIA is here!!!!

(the ice kept her from coming in on Friday) 

Presents!! 

 

oh yeah...Fireman rainboots! Thanks Uncle Mickey and January!

Drew had some helpers 

Presents from Papa and Kathleen

oh yeah...all the sports represented! 

Papa Mickey and Kathleen were nice enough to send some "big sister" gifts for the girls as well. They loved them and the sparkles even caught Drew's eye  

"what....can't a guy like pink sparkle ponies too??"

a little batting practice 

Cagan was not real happy about Tia trying to take her picture! hehe! 

Great hit Livi!!

The catchers! 

enjoying a moment with Tita 

Time for cake 

Unfortunately, the cake couldn't be closer because all he wanted was to reach in!! 

"are yall singing to me?"

I love this boy!

"What is this stuff?" 

"oh I've got this now!!" 

So proud!! lol!

That a boy! 

So yummy!! 

girls couldn't wait to get their piece

Our beautiful Tia 

"NO, I don't want to wash my hands!!!!" 

Thanks Daddy! 

All done!!!